Page 87 of Torin

“You cooked.”

I glance at the clock.

Almost nine.

“He’s been gone a while.”

“Yeah.”

Orson takes another beer from the fridge and heads outside. I follow him with the remains of mine.

He drops into one of the chairs on the porch, and I lean against the rail. From here, I can see the track until it disappears between the trees.

“You know where he went?”

“Yeah.”

“When’s he coming back?”

“Dunno.”

He takes a drink.

A few minutes later, my attention drifts back to the track.

“We’ll hear him before we see him.”

I glance over. “Hm?”

“The truck.” He nods towards the trees. “Even you with your human ears.”

Orson takes another drink, completely unconcerned.

By the time he finishes his beer, I’ve checked the time twice more.

He gets to his feet. “I’m off.”

“So early?”

“It’s nearly ten.”

I check my phone. He’s right.

Orson carries his empty bottle to the door, then looks back at me. “You coming?”

“I think I’ll stay up a little longer.”

“Don’t worry. He’s coming back.”

“I’m not worried.”

“Sure.”

He reaches for the door. “Can’t keep a bear away from his mate.”

The screen door bangs shut behind him.

I go very still.